New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-22

THE FALSE PRETENCES or FREE TRADERS.
Only bad cause needs dishonest argument.
The frcc-tradc cause must be particularly bad,
TO Judge by this rule. for the most common talk
of its defenders is particularly dishonest. fOr
instance. every man within the sound Of his
voice knew that Mr.. Latch, of Missouri was
disappearing when he affirmed or implied
that Republicans in Congress voted at the last
session against any reduction Of taxes. The
same assertion is explicitly made by 1.-The
World" and by other Democratic papers, and
most foolshly, for all their readers must have
enough inteli gcncc to know that the assertion
is untrue. The Republicans in the House
voted against the consideration Of a particular
bill, because it was especially intended. not TO
reduce the taxes, but to break down protection
of home industries. Mr.. Hatch, of Missouri,
"The World" and the other Democratic jour
nails are perfectly aware that the RcpuOlicanS oil
the House were anxious to reduce the revenue
and were eager to vote for either OF several
kinds of reduction. They cannot plead igno-
rance; for them TO Affirm or IMPLY that the
Republicans voted against any reduction OF
taxes is therefore dishonest as well as foolish.
show what kind Of tax reduction they would
prefer, because Speaker Carlisle and his leader
in the House. Colonel MOrriSon did not dare
to permit a vote on measures OF that character
Their reason was that a large number OF Demo-
Gratis stood ready to vote for abolition OF the
tobacco tax and for reduction or removal OF
other taxes. and il was believed that the Re
publicans could thus carry measures OF that
nature. and deprive the frcc-tIadc Democrats
Of their only prctcXt for change OF duties on
manufactured imports. Because the aEllatclS
were aware that they could not effect the de-
sired change on It's merits, nor could they
secure popular support for it except on the
false plctcncc that it was needed in order 70
reduce the surplus they took great cane to
prevent direct and decisive vote on any meas
ure of reduction whatever. except the 1anh
bill which they slrovc to force upon the House.
1t is also uniIuthful TO pretend that such
reduction Of duties on manufactured imports rs
was proposed by Colonel Morrison. or any such
reduction as is likely to be proposed by Mr.
Carlisc's followers, IS a measure for reduction
of the surplus. The lowering of duties would
increase imports. That is It's object. There
is 10 excuse for it except the plea that the
people could get cheaper goods abroad IMAM
they obtain from the home manufacture. The
larger imporl0tions would yield an increased
revenue at lower rates Of duty. strictly speak
ing. the free trade bill Is a bIl to increase the
revenue, except 50 far rs IT puts articles on the
free list. OF that We have a fresh illustration
in the reduction Of duties Oh wool by the tani
revision Of 1883. Before that revision the
duties collected were S3,l7i.G2S in the fiscal
wear lSS2-'sJ; after that revision the duties
collected were S5.s99.sl7 duting the last fiscal
year. \ duty-lowcrng bill is a taN-ncrcaslng
bill. and not a bill for the reduction Of taxes
or Of surplus.
Those who believe in the wisdom Of such
measures have a perfect right to advocate
them. But they have no right to pretend that
thcv are seeking reduction Of taxes by lowering
the duties on Manufactured imports. They
have no right to pretend that they are com
PEELED to cut down protective duties as the oniF
means Of reducing the surplus. Especially
they have no right dishonesty to affirm that
Republicans oppose reduction Of taxes